Why they do what they do

We asked some of the city’s leading artists and creatives to tell us about how they decided to pursue an artistic or creative career. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Shalaka | Artist

I pursued an artistic and creative career because it’s the most natural extension of who I am. Growing up surrounded by music and creativity, I always felt deeply connected to the arts. It’s where I feel most alive and able to express myself fully—whether through writing lyrics, producing music, or performing. Read more>>

Sarah Bodri | photographer

I led myself here somewhat unwittingly, I guess. I was totally unsure of what my career could or would be, or what I wanted to do while I was in university studying French literature and gender studies in university, but I’ve always known that my creative sensibility would inform whatever I pursued as a career. Read more>>

Siobhan Murphy | Actor

This is such a good question, and it’s one I so often get asked since acting and the arts can be such an unpredictable and unstable industry. I knew at a pretty young age that acting was the one thing that truly made me FEEL; it made my insides spark in a way nothing else did. As time went on, and I went through school and then my conservatory training in university I had a professor who said something that really stuck with me. On one of our first days of classes he said to the room of 300 or so theatre students, ” if there’s anything else in this world you love, or even like a little, I would encourage you to leave now and pursue that”. I don’t remember if anyone left in that moment, but I do remember knowing my answer. There was nothing else for me but this.  Read more>>

Derek Pueblo | Filmmaker

As a kid I loved making people laugh. I was the 4th of 6 children, and I think getting a reaction out of people made me feel seen. Maybe it made me feel more important… I’m not sure, but I know I loved the way movies made me feel. All of my play with my siblings was re-enacting my favorite scenes, or acting out imaginary sequels with my favorite characters. That love of getting a reaction from an audience never went away, and when I was a teenager and found that I could make even more jokes and thrills with a camera and lens, I was hooked. I’m enchanted with the power of film and art to expand the mind and help people imagine scenarios from perspectives other than their own. To walk in someone else’s shoes. Usually I’m just trying to make people laugh or sit on the edge of their seat, but I believe my favorite films have shaped who I have become as a human. Read more>>

Cardiar Collins | Creative

I pursued a creative career because creativity seemed to be what came easiest to me. Read more>>

Alvin Jimmy | Director , Producer , Screenwriter , Editor

I pursued an artistic and creative career because storytelling has always been close to my heart. Growing up, movies played a huge role in shaping my imagination, filling my childhood with wonder. Visiting places like Universal Studios and Disneyland, where those stories came to life, made me realize that this is where I felt happiest. It wasn’t just about watching movies; it was about being part of that magic. Read more>>

Marianna Desalles | Muralist, Art and Yoga Teacher

I have known that I wanted to be an Artist since before I was born and have made a career of being an Art Teacher to people of all ages. In that daily grind I find the balance of pursuing freelance commissions and projects as a Visual Artist and Muralist. The most fun way of life is to be creating at all times. I also chose to be an artist because it is the most effective way that I can make a difference though self and mass healing while celebrating life! Whenever I freely express the creativity that flows through me, I am giving others permission to do that too. When humans hold the key to their own creative voices and visions all becomes possible. Empowering children and adults with the medicine that is art is my mission on earth. Read more>>

Dorian Burks | Actor

Although it’s now pretty prominently listed on my website (cat’s out of the bag?), many of my friends here in LA had little idea I attended MIT, a predominantly technical school, for undergrad. And often, when people find that out, the next question is “how on earth did you end up acting”? Read more>>

Esther Park | Founder and Head Chocolatier

Growing up, my hobbies revolved around drawing and baking. I could be found in my room doodling the day away or creating in delightful messes in the kitchen. Initially, I wanted to become a painter. With a singular focus on painting, I decided to pursue fine arts in college at the bright age of 17. At that time, I didn’t have a clear direction, but I was eager to explore. As I progressed through my studies, I discovered a newfound passion for creating sculptures and installations. The ability to bring my ideas to life in three dimensions opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. Read more>>

Jim Green | Visual artist

Actually creativity pursued me. It has been an ongoing obsession to create pictures that started when I was a child, up to the present. By the time I entered college, I had discovered 20th century art and all the ‘ism’ movements, to include modernism and postmodernism, all of which I let influence the way I worked, until I was able to put it all together and come up with my own style. Being part of the art continuum that shows the process and progress of exploration, with periods and movements growing out the existing one, is something I hope to one day be an integral part of. Read more>>

Angelica Figueroa | Film Director & Production Designer

I’m passionate about filmmaking because it allows me to express myself and explore topics that matter deeply to me. It’s a career that not only lets me connect with others through storytelling but also helps me better understand my own creative vision and how I like to direct and shape things. Read more>>

Cole Pantel | Graphic Designer & Visual Artist

Back in 7th Grade, a new class was available on my roster, Technology class. I had always been creative from a young age, but finding Graphic Design kicked me into overdrive. My teacher at the time saw my passion for the subject and began to give me additional resources and course materials to further my education. This lit a fire under me, and I’ve been in love with the digital art world ever since. It wasn’t until high school that I began focusing on it as a career, and upon seeing its potential I never looked back. Graphic design is my one true passion, the fact I can do it as a career was less of a decision and more of a blessing. So to answer the question as to why I pursue a creative job, it’s because I can’t see myself doing anything else. Read more>>

Avery Chu | Video Blogger and Film Studies Student

To be myself, basically. I think the best way for me to express myself, who I am and how I am feeling is through art and creative projects. There’s no limits or restriction on how to do art ‘right’. You do what you feel is right. That’s why I love pursuing art and creating such beautiful things to share it to the world. Read more>>

Holly Luc | Hair and Makeup Artist

I never in a million years would think that I would pursue a creative career as a hair and makeup artist. But to think back to how it all started, my favorite hobby was coloring my hair every two weeks and I became known for the girl with colored hair back in high school. My hair art was admired by many, but one important day my picky best friend volunteered me to showcase my art for her senior portraits. She gave me the creative freedom to style her hair and makeup—to which she was very pleased with. That was when I realized that what I had was not only a hobby, but a deep-rooted passion of mine because of how beautiful and confident I can make someone feel. Read more>>

Rhea Morales | Actor

I would have to say from an early age pursuing an acting career was just no question in my mind. However when it came to actually making the leap, I did have a slower process on letting it all come together. I really took my time with it, make sure I had a carefully laid out plan and keeping my anxiety at bay. As much of a cliche as it truly is, choosing to be an actor as my career path was what’s been driving me this whole time I’ve been in Los Angeles, and keep believing in my hard work and dedication to this career that I want to have. They say love is an action, and I love acting too much not pursue it. Read more>>

Yuko Zen | Music Composer for Film/TV/Game

Being a music composer allows me to connect with the world in a meaningful way: to inspire and be inspired by people through music. Every time I create something, I feel truly alive. When I score for films and TV, I empathize with the characters and their stories. When composing music for games, I immerse myself in imaginary worlds. These experiences reflect so many aspects of life, allowing me to observe and reflect more closely on everything happening in the world. Read more>>

Ron L. Wilson | Filmmaker & Videographer

Ever since I was a child, I have been laser-focused on exploring the art of storytelling and film was always my preferred medium. Going into the field was not just something I thought would be fun to do, it was something I felt I had to entirely dedicate myself to and it’s a decision I very rarely question. Read more>>

Damian Hawkins | Music Artist | Actor | Personal Chef

I’ve always been drawn to expression and creating experiences for others, and music, acting, and cooking are all ways I can bring that to life. Music and acting allow me to channel emotions, tell stories, and connect with audiences on a deep level, while cooking lets me create tangible, sensory experiences that bring people joy and comfort. Each of these fields challenges me to think creatively and bring my vision to life, which has always been something I’m passionate about. Read more>>

Haysam Ali | Brazilian American Actor

I’ve always felt a strong pull toward the artistic and creative world—it’s like a calling I couldn’t ignore. For me, pursuing a creative career isn’t just about making a living; it’s about being true to who I am. When I think about what truly makes me happy, it’s expressing myself through art and connecting with others in meaningful ways. Read more>>

Miguel Ángel López | Theater Director & Educator

I pursued a career in the arts for the fact that 1. I knew that with any other career, besides teaching, would have me feel as fulfilled throughout life. 2. My art is my form of activism, often times when we are moments of social change, we see that first reflected in the arts 3. It is my way of giving back to my community to share my knowledge of the arts with those who come from working-class communities who desperately needs a foundation in the arts. Overall, I would not have it any other way, I love theater, the arts, and my community. Read more>>

Marissa Madsen | Actor & Sketch Comedian

Well first, art and especially performing has always been something that has lit me up! I’ve always been drawn to it. I remember my first time on stage in kindergarten I was dressed as a present in the holiday show, and my costume broke so I was holding it together with my hands. But I didn’t care. I was beaming so hard just being up there, I don’t think I even sang any of the lyrics. I’ve learned to get my lines right since then. Read more>>

Prakash Mehta | Co-Founder at Lumapix Creative Studios

Both Amal (Co-Founder at Lumapix) and I have had a strong inclination towards art and crafts since childhood. With my family’s support, I pursued my passion further by enrolling in an animation school, where I met like-minded individuals who shared similar thoughts about the creative world. During our days at the animation school, we collaborated on various projects, whether part of our assignments or competitions. Storytelling has always been the core drive that led us to pursue creative careers after completing our animation programs. Since then, we have been weaving stories through our artistic endeavors, whether for ourselves or for creative people across the globe, across different mediums such as films, short films, music videos, and more. Read more>>

Haoyue Xu | Digital Sculptor & Filmmaker & Visual Designer

My pursuit of art and creativity originally stemmed from a deep passion for biology and sculptural art. At 16, I became fascinated with creating clay figurines, which gradually led me to step away from the path my family had planned for me and dedicating myself fully to the pure pursuit of art. During my undergraduate years, I was drawn to the limitless possibilities offered by emerging technologies and realized that traditional sculpture could be integrated with digital art. This fusion provided a novel perspective for redefining my position in contemporary society while seeking a delicate balance between commercial value and artistic aesthetics. Read more>>

Ryan Hanami | Conceptual Artist & Painter

I pursued an artistic career largely because of my father who is an artist. Growing up, our home was filled with his creations, music, and a constant flow of ideas. I was often by his side at gallery openings, absorbing the atmosphere and the conversations that came with them. Having him available not just as a parent but as a mentor shaped my worldview profoundly. It’s a classic case of the apple not falling far from the tree; his influence made the path of art feel like the most natural direction for me. Academically, nothing else captured my interest in the same way, and pursuing a creative career became both an inheritance and a personal calling. Read more>>

Diana Perez Riveros | Producer

I have experienced a lot of personal healing through art, whether it be through acting, writing, or fully producing a film, series, or theater production. As a kid, I was fascinated by the process of filmmaking, I would get home from school and instead of doing my homework, I would often find myself on a rabbit hole of YouTube videos, exploring behind-the-scenes content from movies. I found it absolutely astonishing – you can imagine I wasn’t always the best student. Read more>>

Preston Thomas | Filmmaker & Martial Artist/Grappler

Being a filmmaker allows me to be everything I ever wanted to be at once. Specifically, it allows me to be a visual artist, writer, actor, historian, journalist, and martial artist… all rolled into this one peculiar craft that we call filmmaking. Read more>>

Phillinda Roy | Advertising Lifestyle Photographer

I’ve always been drawn to photography, even as a kid. I wasn’t exactly sure what a career in it would look like, but I knew I was happiest when I was behind the camera or in front of it. The act of shooting or modeling ignited a spark in me—It was like magic, creating something out of thin air. Read more>>

Destiny Trejo | Licensed Nail Technician

I pursued an artistic & creative career because it allows me and others to express our emotions and ideas in ways that words alone cannot. Creating art on different nail shapes gives me a sense of fulfillment and joy, as it has been a rewarding outlet for my creativity. I believe that art has the power to inspire and connect all sorts of people, making it a meaningful and impactful. My desire is to inspire others through my passion. Read more>>

Opal Fox | Actress/Writer/Designer

I chose to pursue a creative career path because of my family. Growing up I was always lovingly labeled dramatic and given the nickname “Hollywood” by my mom, aunts, and close family friends because of my flair for all things theatrical and extravagant! I have always yearned to transform myself through costumes, characters, and storytelling as a whole. My mother was also an artist, with her best expressions being through the medium of writing; She inspired me to be open to all of life’s opportunities and encouraged me greatly to be fearless in my pursuits. Without my family’s ‘seed planting’ words of affirmation and support, I am not sure what path I would have taken! Read more>>

Yuqing Lai | Multi-disciplinary Artist

Art has always been my passion. I have curiosity in humanity, subconscious, memory, perception, languages and symbols. Practicing art enable me to explore and reflect on those themes. I love working with material and tools. I enter a flow when doing something creative. And that is very important and therapeutic to me. Read more>>

Qianying Zhu | Jewlery Designer & Atrist

I chose to pursue an artistic career because it’s been a constant passion that has evolved with me throughout my life.
My name is Qianying Zhu, and I also go by Rachel. I studied jewelry design for my undergrad and metalsmithing for my master study, but my journey with art started much earlier. Growing up in an art-loving family, I was influenced by my grandfather, a well-known painter. Thanks to him, I developed a love for drawing and crafts early on. Read more>>

Jue Lin | Director & Photographer & Designer

Perhaps it’s a sense of innate mission? Even though I’ve tried different roles over the years, one thing has remained constant: I’ve always been in the arts, always creating. Aside from a fascination with the cosmos that once made me dream of becoming an astronaut, I haven’t seriously considered working outside of this field. I simply believe that humanity’s greatest assets are imagination and creativity—in every moment of inspiration, it feels like I get a glimpse into the mysteries of the world. From a young age, whether through painting, performing, or filming, I’ve been exploring ways to recreate everything around me. Rather than keeping my mind confined within limited boundaries, I want it to be more vibrant, and I believe art can help me achieve that. Read more>>

Ariel J. | Songwriter & Recording Artist

I’ve never really wanted to do anything else. Even as a kid, I knew what I was meant to do. I’m supposed to write. I’m supposed to leave something good for the world. I think I insisted on that dream so much that things have always aligned for me to do exactly what I do right now. Read more>>

Celia Rocha | Visual Artist and Mother

I was an only child. I remember spending many hours in nature, drawing by myself. My dream was to be an artist, even though my family was not supportive. It has been a continuous struggle to believe in myself and find my voice. I tried to run away from my dream, to avoid it and choose a different path. But I cannot help it, I return to it. It is who I am. I need to express myself, my hopes, my dreams and values, the things that I have to say. I have decided many times to pursue my dream to become an artist. I have redetermined over and over at key junctures throughout my life. Read more>>

Salar Rajabnik | Artist, musician, songwriter & producer

For me it was less of a choice and more of just where I ended up. I was not raised in a situation where I had a lot of opportunities generally and I also faced a fair amount of turmoil in my childhood. At the time of my coming of age vinyl was at its pinnacle of being out of fashion so crate-digging and diving into researching music the old school way was one of the only accessible and inexpensive things I could do. Other hobbies and pursuits required a lot more means. Music, whether is was listening to it or eventually learning to play and write it, also just innately resonated with me. It was a way to (at least, in the way I saw it) express oneself while also somehow being able to disappear within something that was a healthy distraction from how difficult your reality may be. Read more>>